Proverbs
Japanese meaning of 物は試し
Voice sample:
ものはためし (Mono wa tameshi)
English Translation:
Things are for trying / There's no harm in trying
Scene: Encouragement
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
You cannot know whether something will work until you try it, so it is worth a try.
日本語で読む
何事も、やってみなければわからないので、まずは試してみるのがよいという意味。
Cultural Context:
It is often used to encourage someone, or yourself, to try something new.
日本語で読む
新しいことに挑戦するよう、人や自分をはげますときによく使います。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
•「物」= things in general. •「試し」= a try. Often said as 「物は試しだ」.
日本語で読む
•「物」は物事全般。•「試し」はためすこと。「物は試しだ」の形でよく使います。
Trap for English Speakers
物 does not mean a physical object here; it means "anything."
日本語で読む
ここの「物」は品物ではなく、「何事も」という意味です。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
物は試しだ。初めての料理だけど、作ってみよう。
There's no harm in trying. It's my first time making this dish, but let's give it a go.
Example 2Applied Example
物は試しと、見習い忍者は傘をさして屋根から飛んでみた。
Figuring there was no harm in trying, the apprentice ninja jumped off the roof holding an umbrella.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「物は試し」 mean?